New Delhi: The Army is considering inducting women cadres into the Territorial Army, PTI reported on Sunday, quoting sources. The report said this was part of a pilot initiative. The first phase of recruitment will be limited to select battalions, with the possibility of expansion to others later based on initial results and evaluation.

This step has been taken amid the government’s continuous efforts to increase ‘women power’ in the armed forces. The present structure of the Territorial Army was established after the passage of the Territorial Army Act on August 18, 1948.

It was officially launched on October 9, 1949 by the first Governor General of India, C. Rajagopalachari.

The Territorial Army was formed on the principle of a “force of citizen soldiers”. Apart from supporting organizational requirements, it also provides an opportunity to willing and able Indian citizens, especially those beyond the age limit for the Regular Army, to serve the country in uniform. According to its official website, the force currently consists of around 50,000 personnel.

It includes 65 departmental TA units such as Railways, IOC and ONGC, as well as non-departmental units, ranging from infantry (including Home and Hearth battalions) to ecological battalions and engineer units tasked with manning the Line of Control.